Kathmandu the capital of Nepal is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Asia. Kathmandu is famous for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Culture, art, and the unique local lifestyle. Since the only international airport of Nepal ‘TIA’ Tribhuvan International Airport is at Kathmandu every international tourist will surely get a glimpse of Kathmandu. If the tourists who are only traveling to Kathmandu wish to have that panoramic Mountain View in their memories these are the must-visit locations near Kathmandu. These places can be easily reached from Kathmandu Valley; you can either hike or get there by vehicles.
Table of Contents
Chandragiri Hill Station
Chandragiri is the latest hill station and currently, it has the most visitors every day than any other similar locations. Chandragiri lies on the south-west side of Kathmandu valley, just seven kilometers from Thankot. You can get to Chandragiri by hiking, cable car or roadways. If you’ve never experienced a cable car ride a trip to Chandragiri by cable car would be a great adventure. Hiking is another option; you can easily see many hikers in the trail every day who are in for the short adventurous days. Most of the visitors visit Chandragiri to get the blessing from the temple at the top of the hill and for the mesmerizing scenic views. Chandragiri is 2551 meters above sea level so; panoramic mountain views can be easily seen. If the weather is clear you can see Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Everest.
Phulchowki
Phulchowki is the highest hill surrounding Kathmandu with a height of 2782 meters. Phulchowki lies 14 km far in the southeast side of Kathmandu. Phulchowki meaning ‘Hills of Flower’, the hill is full of different colors of rhododendron and orchid flowers. Phulchowki is one of the best locations for bird and butterfly watching. It is one of the famous picnic destinations near Kathmandu, during winter huge number of local tourists pour in the hill for snow playing. At the top of the hill temple of the goddess, Pulchowki attracts a huge number of devotees. Magnificent view of Mountains like Ganesh Himal and Manaslu can be seen. On the way to Phulchowki hill station, you can visit Godawari botanical Garden which is also one of the famous weekend destinations in the city.
Kakani
23 km to the northwest of Kathmandu at the elevation of 1,982 meters lays Kakani. Kakani is famous for hill full of Rhododendron, pines, strawberry and trout fish. The village of Kakani stays clam as always, the aroma of the village will surely make you forget all your stress. From Kakani, you can see Himalayan range from Mt. Ganesh to Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range. It is also one of the major picnic destinations. Fresh trout, Homemade strawberry, and Rhododendron wine are the famous things you must try.
Shivapuri
Shivapuri hill is most favorable for a day hiking, Shivapuri hill is located at Shivapuri National Park. Orchids, Petula and Rhododendron can be seen all over the way. Shivapuri hill also falls in the conservation area it is home to varieties of flora and fauna. You will see a Buddhist monastery ‘Nagi Gumba’ at the top of the hill from where you can see Langtang Himalayas and the eagle-eye view of Kathmandu Valley. On the way to the top of the hill, you can also see many waterfalls.
Nagarkot
A 1.3-hour drive from Kathmandu will take you to Nagarkot, probably the most visited hill station near Kathmandu. Nagarkot is famous for its breathtaking sunrise and the view of the Himalayan range. You can stay overnight with your friends or family and have a great time. Nagarkot has every kind of accommodations from simple homestay to luxury hotels. Nagarkot is fairly famous among local and international and a perfect weekend getaway.
All the hill stations listed above are easily reachable from Kathmandu. These hill stations are famous among both local and international tourists for magnificent panoramic Mountain views. If you’re visiting Kathmandu and got tired from hustle and bustle of the city these places will surely freshen you up.
